Importance of companionship care the elderly
In the UK, a large number of people suffer from loneliness, with the elderly being especially vulnerable. Seniors' health is mostly at risk from social isolation. When elderly individuals with mobility issues choose to age in place without assistance, they are at a high risk of developing physical and mental health issues, most notably social isolation. This can result in a decline in their overall health, especially their mental and emotional health. Companionship is essential for enhancing the quality of life. Seniors are able to appreciate and enjoy their golden years thanks to a devoted and compassionate carer.
What is companionship care?
Companionship care is a form of long-term care designed to promote the social and emotional well-being of senior citizens who are feeling isolated or lonely, while also relieving some of the burden on their families. In addition, the family can rest easy knowing that their loved one is in the care of a professional nursing staff that addresses many of the challenges of living alone as a senior and helps them to enjoy their social life and participate in more community activities.
Importance of companionship care for seniors
The main goals of companionship care for seniors include social and emotional support. However, this is not the only significance of senior companionship care; there are several others as well.
1. Light housekeeping
2. Basic hygiene assistance
3. Managing and administering medication
4. Reduces the risk of developing dementia
5. Allows seniors to recover faster from illness or injury
6. Reduce the chance of falling into depression
7. Engaging seniors in community activities
Benefits of companionship care for the seniors
There are many benefits to in-home companionship care for seniors. They are as follows:
1. Improve mental health
As previously mentioned, companionship is essential for maintaining mental health. Social interaction protects against cognitive decline and memory loss, according to studies. Furthermore, companionship care can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can lead to depression.
2. Improve physical health
Seniors who receive companionship care are more active than those who don't. This increased activity level can result in improved fitness, mobility and an overall improvement in physical health, and they are less likely to suffer from falls or other accidents. In addition, the elderly will be less susceptible to stress and will sleep well.
3. Increased sense of security
As seniors age, their sense of insecurity increases; they worry about what will happen if they need help or if they happen to fall unexpectedly. Hiring an in-home carer to look after your loved one and make them feel more secure is the best solution.
4. Round-the-clock companionship
Hiring an in-home carer entails providing a senior citizen with constant companionship. As a carer, you may not be able to spend all of your time with your loved one, which could cause them to feel lonely. The best solution for this is to hire our carers, who can accompany them more professionally.
5. Longer lifespan
According to a report published in 2013 by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), seniors who experience loneliness and isolation have an increased risk of premature death, regardless of underlying health conditions. Companionship care will give seniors someone they can talk to, making them less likely to feel alone and depressed. This will have a big effect on their overall health.
6. Protection against the risk of dementia
According to researchers at the University of Michigan, just 10 minutes of conversation with another person can improve a person's memory and intelligence, thereby reducing the risk of developing dementia. Studies have also shown that the greater the social interaction among seniors, the higher their cognitive functioning scores.
7. Increased sense of validation
Seniors have a heightened perception that they are a burden on others. Moreover, those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease experience a heightened sense of validation during moments of lucidity. The fear of becoming a burden grows with each passing year. A companion can alleviate this feeling to a great extent by simply being present. Seniors will experience a sense of validation when they feel heard and respected.
8. Comfort
Moving to a new location, such as a care facility or their children's home, can be emotionally challenging for seniors. They may develop anxiety, depression, and fear as a result. Therefore, it is preferable for them to be in the comfort of their own homes. In such situations, it is advisable to choose companionship care, where the senior does not have to relocate, and it is also a viable option in comparison to other options.
9. Improved eating habits
When seniors begin living alone, they may choose to eat canned or processed food because it may be difficult for them to always prepare high-quality meals. They may even lose the desire to eat, resulting in malnutrition and weight loss. With the aid of companionship care, a carer can take care of the preparation and consumption of food, ensuring that the patient receives the proper amount of nutrition.
10. Independence
A helping hand does not imply that an elderly person will become more dependent; in fact, companionship enhances the sense of independence. As we age, our ability to perform self-sufficient activities such as driving and playing sports declines. Some family carers may experience a loss of independence as they devote all of their time to caring for elderly family members.
With a companion, the senior now has someone who can monitor their daily activities. As a result of sharing the burden with a professional, family carers experience less stress. This reduces the guilt felt by the elderly family member. Strong social connections make sure that seniors stay happy and active, even as they get older.
Companion care benefits both the senior and the family caregiver. Companion care should not be viewed as a "half-measure" for caring for your elderly loved ones, as the benefits outlined above make abundantly clear. Companionship care can improve your loved one's life, but it is not a replacement for you. Ensure that you continue to pay regular visits to your elderly loved one and maintain contact with their companion.
Nurses Group Homecare offers live-in care and companionship care to the elderly who are unable to live alone. Our carers are trained to enhance the quality of your life and that of your loved one.